Our Seattle visit is drawing to a close, but we saved some of the best for last!  Cheri and I enjoyed every minute of a beautiful Saturday in Laconner with Jean, Deb, Bill, Will, Priss and Princess Sellie!  From Jean’s garden and beautifully remodeled house to Point Defiance and the Jumbo Buffet (Thanks again, Jean!) it was warm laughter, fun conversation and the joy and wonder of reconnecting and discovering new touchstones.  Time together is never long enough, but always a blessing no matter how short it may be.  And thanks again, Deb, for sharing Thursday afternoon with me.  Again, much too brief but every moment a treasure.  Love to all, and we can’t wait for our visit in July!  Love, Jack, Cheri

Many happy returns

A few years ago, Fur Rondy was bankrupt and about to become a footnote in Anchorage history.  Thanks to a dedicated group who put time, energy and thoughtful restructuring into the event, Rondy is bigger and better than ever…AND, the event is actually making money!  Amazing success story, especially in our current economy.   On our way to meet David Haynes at the Pioneer Pancake Breakfast… (the nearest parking was 8 blocks away), we saw most of the Rondy Parade (which was heading west on 6th as we headed east toward the breakfast).  Lucky timing.  Fun to see David at breakfast, and our server was a pistol…the pancakes and ham the best ever.  We then headed for the Egan Center for the Alaska Multi-tribal Gathering and Crafts show (http://www.furrondy.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=195&Itemid=195) but on the way Cheri suggested we divert to catch some of the sprint dog race start which was going on just a block away on 4th Ave.   It was a good call and we caught the final six teams at the starting line for the Saturday leg of the race.  Fun stuff.  We headed back to the Egan for the Gathering, and it was – as always – a fun and lively event.  Cheri got in on one of the open dances which included a very diverse group of all ages and backgrounds…a great metaphor for what our country is really all about.  Anyhow, it was a lot of fun stuff in just a few short hours…and again, it’s just amazing how Rondy has risen from the ashes to be bigger and better than it ever was before!  Fun stuff.  L, j/d/gp

We really enjoyed our week in Sonoma, but good to be home.  We missed everyone, and it’s great to be back.  Before I get totally immersed in catching up here, wanted to share a few final pics from our trip.  We went out to Bodega Bay on Valentines…really beautiful out there, so a few of these pics are from that excursion.  l, j/d/gp  P.S.  couldn’t find the “gallery” option for uploading photos.  looking forward to trying that.